spot·light
ˈspät-ˌlīt 
1
a
: a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage
b
: public notice or attention
held the political spotlight
2
a
: a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area
b
: something that illuminates brilliantly
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
Synonyms
Examples of spotlight in a Sentence
Noun
They aimed the spotlight at the center of the stage.
A spotlight moved across the stage.
The actor stood in the spotlight.
a baseball star who hates the spotlight
They're always in the spotlight.
The news article turned the spotlight on the city's financial problems.
Verb
She was spotlighted as she sang her solo.
The news spotlighted the city's financial problems.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dell Cameron, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024
This is part of Conde Nast Traveler's spotlight on family cruise travel.
—Terry Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024
Larry Light, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
His tasting menus spotlight the bounty of this land and attract foodies from across the world eager to experience his one-man show.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
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Noun
The mystery in New Jersey and similar phenomena in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, among other states, have put a spotlight on the ongoing efforts of state and federal legislators to expand the government’s access to counter-UAS technology.
—Dell Cameron, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024
This is part of Conde Nast Traveler's spotlight on family cruise travel.
—Terry Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
Acton spotlights the last time offices were in a bad way, especially in cities, the 1970s.
—Larry Light, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
His tasting menus spotlight the bounty of this land and attract foodies from across the world eager to experience his one-man show.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spotlight
Dictionary Entries Near spotlight
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotlight. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spotlight
1 of 2 noun
spot·light
ˈspät-ˌlīt
1
a
: a spot of light used to light up a particular area, person, or thing (as on a stage)
b
: public notice
2
: a light designed to direct a narrow strong beam of light on a small area
spotlight
2 of 2 verb
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
1
: to light up with a spotlight
2
: to bring to public attention
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